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The Meditations: An Emperor's Guide to Mastery

Description:

How to think clearly, act purposefully, overcome obstacles, and find peace & happiness along the way.

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was one of the few true philosopher-kings in history.

His father died when Marcus was three. At age fifteen, he was adopted by his aunt's husband, the future Emperor Antoninus Pius, putting him in the line of succession. At forty, he became a reluctant emperor of the Roman Empire.

Marcus was conflicted because the demands of being emperor--on top of the temptations of wealth and power--seemed incompatible with his true ambition: to be a humble student of philosophy.

Over time, though, he worked out a practical philosophy that kept him grounded amidst the stresses and excesses of palace life. That's why his philosophy is so relevant to us today, in the modern world.

How did he fare as emperor? During his twenty years of service, Marcus earned the love of the people and the loyalty of the senate. Later historians called him "the last of the five good emperors."

In spare moments, Marcus wrote the journal entries collected in
The Meditations. They were not intended for publication, but to remind Marcus himself of his principles and priorities. As a result, they are intimate, direct, and extremely useful.

This new edition of
The Meditations is an interpretive paraphrase in contemporary English, with a foreword, by bestselling author Sam Torode. (It is based on the 1862 translation by George Long.) A companion volume, The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life, is also available from Ancient Renewal.


Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

An excerpt from The Meditations

If you are upset by something outside you, it is not the thing itself that upsets you, but your opinion of it. And it is in your power to wipe away that opinion immediately.
If your own thoughts are causing you pain, who is keeping you from changing them?
Is there an obstacle blocking your way? Make it part of your plan and turn it to your advantage.
What if it kills you? Then you'll leave this world contentedly, as someone who pursued a worthy goal to the end--not as a coward who gave up and stopped trying.

About the Author

Sam Torode creates books that entertain, inform, and inspire. He is author of a bestselling humorous novel, The Dirty Parts of the Bible, and several philosophical works, including Living from the SoulSecrets of the MindThe ManualThe Meditations, and Everyday Emerson.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect introduction to stoicism

j.s. · June 8, 2025

Great current translation. Perfect introduction to stoicism

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and short read

C.D.R. · March 27, 2023

This book was recommneded to me by Alux.com an dhas been on my reading list for quite sometime. It is short and can be read in an hour and has tons of great snippets and nuggets on how to better understand and percieve the world!

5.0 out of 5 stars Approachable!

K.P. · December 16, 2022

I’ve really wanted to dive into stoicism an this is an essential text. I struggle with the syntax in some ancient text translations. This translation is so approachable that I can finally appreciate what is being said and greatly enjoy the text. Thank you!!

4.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic book to grow your spirit

G. · May 9, 2020

I have been reading this book here and there for the past few days, I am thoroughly enjoying everything from the physical feel of the book to the chapter layout. The original writings came before Christ and were in a different language and apparently spanned many volumes and had repetitive themes, so the author of this book took liberties to make it a more modern read. But, in the last line I read he talks about seeing something through a microscope, which obviously was not yet invented during the original writings. So, I deducted a single star because out of all the beautiful words in this book there is one that has been omitted, and replaced with "microscope". I am halfway through the book and this is the first, I'll call it a chronological faux pa; I hope it's the last. Great book and a Great buy! I will read this book many times in my Life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless

D. · August 26, 2022

I would encourage every individual to read the philosophies of various eras, cultures and hemispheres to broaden the perception of human experience. I really enjoy this book and read it often. As a person who needs to improve their emotional regulation, this book assists in providing ways of thinking and perspective. The wisdom is timeless and worth a read. Just get it and then tell someone else to read it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Conceptualize what's considered proper reasoning through a stoic eyeglass.

J.T. · February 18, 2021

I enjoyed the book with the same attentiveness and patience as though you were listening to a grandparent on their death bed sharing wisdom. With each group of phrases, I took my time to internalize the meaning. At times I caught myself thinking about past experiences and how I could have reacted differently. Marcus embraces emotional individualism from other people's opinions and self-control over uncontrollable everyday occurrences, at the same, submerging your reason of being in the forever running flow of nature. As my first book on stoicism, the language and ideas were fairly easy to understand. App says I read it 6 hours and that's with all the casual thinking time breaks.

5.0 out of 5 stars For those looking to have a better self-awareness and well-being.

A.C. · October 31, 2018

Philosophy is one of the most underrated forms of knowledge there is. Stoicism, to be precise, is the type of philosophical thinking that Marcus Aurelius applied to his every day life as an Emperor, and this book is basically his mind on paper. It is a beautiful read, and it's not very difficult either because the translation was modern. If you have not yet read any books on Stoicism, please read The Manual by Epictetus. Most of Marcus' works derive from Epictetus. Thus, it'll be beneficial to understand The Manual before reading The Meditations.

5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed this book

R. · July 23, 2019

I intend to use this book as a reference text. Many points of wisdom left to us by Marcus Aurelius. This book is written in the style of stoic philosophy. Reminds me of Buddhist teachings in some ways.For example, the author emphasizes non-attachment to material things. Well written, and without typos. However, I wonder how accurate this work reflects the original. How good is the transition? All this aside, well worth reading. I am going to look at some of the other books by the author.

Not nearly finished yet...

b. · July 24, 2017

I'm only in the early sections of the book but, this contemporary version for such a novice as I, isgenuinely compelling so far. The introduction is brief yet compelling and it feels like the enduring bookfull of insight that the original went on to capture so many for so many generations....

Beautiful

M.W. · October 26, 2023

I’ve read the mediations many times and has changed how I look at an approach my life.This is a modern interpretation of the ancient work and very clear and easy to understand. Well done.

Amazing read

K. · March 18, 2023

A very crisp and beautiful piece. It explains things in very simple manner. Must read for everyone in these times.

Great ‘lil read

a. · June 4, 2025

This is a great little book. It was highly recommended by my good friend (whom I’ve never met) Jerry Seinfeld. As he stated, it’s a book where you just read a few pages, and then put it down and go on with your day (or yadda yadda yadda… something like that). This edition is a great size. The binding and pages are clean and well produced. The font is the right size. I’d love a few pictures thrown in here and there, but aside from that, it’s a great book. I highly recommend this for anyone…and everyone!!!!

One to keep handy for referral, full of wise advice.

S.M. · April 27, 2018

Love this book and highly recommend it as a present for oneself and for friends who enjoy such wise content.

The Meditations: An Emperor's Guide to Mastery

Product ID: U1548281301
Condition: New

4.8

AED6544

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

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Imported From: United States

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BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

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The Meditations: An Emperor's Guide to Mastery

Product ID: U1548281301
Condition: New

4.8

The Meditations: An Emperor's Guide to Mastery-0
Type: Paperback

AED6544

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

How to think clearly, act purposefully, overcome obstacles, and find peace & happiness along the way.

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was one of the few true philosopher-kings in history.

His father died when Marcus was three. At age fifteen, he was adopted by his aunt's husband, the future Emperor Antoninus Pius, putting him in the line of succession. At forty, he became a reluctant emperor of the Roman Empire.

Marcus was conflicted because the demands of being emperor--on top of the temptations of wealth and power--seemed incompatible with his true ambition: to be a humble student of philosophy.

Over time, though, he worked out a practical philosophy that kept him grounded amidst the stresses and excesses of palace life. That's why his philosophy is so relevant to us today, in the modern world.

How did he fare as emperor? During his twenty years of service, Marcus earned the love of the people and the loyalty of the senate. Later historians called him "the last of the five good emperors."

In spare moments, Marcus wrote the journal entries collected in
The Meditations. They were not intended for publication, but to remind Marcus himself of his principles and priorities. As a result, they are intimate, direct, and extremely useful.

This new edition of
The Meditations is an interpretive paraphrase in contemporary English, with a foreword, by bestselling author Sam Torode. (It is based on the 1862 translation by George Long.) A companion volume, The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life, is also available from Ancient Renewal.


Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

An excerpt from The Meditations

If you are upset by something outside you, it is not the thing itself that upsets you, but your opinion of it. And it is in your power to wipe away that opinion immediately.
If your own thoughts are causing you pain, who is keeping you from changing them?
Is there an obstacle blocking your way? Make it part of your plan and turn it to your advantage.
What if it kills you? Then you'll leave this world contentedly, as someone who pursued a worthy goal to the end--not as a coward who gave up and stopped trying.

About the Author

Sam Torode creates books that entertain, inform, and inspire. He is author of a bestselling humorous novel, The Dirty Parts of the Bible, and several philosophical works, including Living from the SoulSecrets of the MindThe ManualThe Meditations, and Everyday Emerson.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect introduction to stoicism

j.s. · June 8, 2025

Great current translation. Perfect introduction to stoicism

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and short read

C.D.R. · March 27, 2023

This book was recommneded to me by Alux.com an dhas been on my reading list for quite sometime. It is short and can be read in an hour and has tons of great snippets and nuggets on how to better understand and percieve the world!

5.0 out of 5 stars Approachable!

K.P. · December 16, 2022

I’ve really wanted to dive into stoicism an this is an essential text. I struggle with the syntax in some ancient text translations. This translation is so approachable that I can finally appreciate what is being said and greatly enjoy the text. Thank you!!

4.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic book to grow your spirit

G. · May 9, 2020

I have been reading this book here and there for the past few days, I am thoroughly enjoying everything from the physical feel of the book to the chapter layout. The original writings came before Christ and were in a different language and apparently spanned many volumes and had repetitive themes, so the author of this book took liberties to make it a more modern read. But, in the last line I read he talks about seeing something through a microscope, which obviously was not yet invented during the original writings. So, I deducted a single star because out of all the beautiful words in this book there is one that has been omitted, and replaced with "microscope". I am halfway through the book and this is the first, I'll call it a chronological faux pa; I hope it's the last. Great book and a Great buy! I will read this book many times in my Life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless

D. · August 26, 2022

I would encourage every individual to read the philosophies of various eras, cultures and hemispheres to broaden the perception of human experience. I really enjoy this book and read it often. As a person who needs to improve their emotional regulation, this book assists in providing ways of thinking and perspective. The wisdom is timeless and worth a read. Just get it and then tell someone else to read it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Conceptualize what's considered proper reasoning through a stoic eyeglass.

J.T. · February 18, 2021

I enjoyed the book with the same attentiveness and patience as though you were listening to a grandparent on their death bed sharing wisdom. With each group of phrases, I took my time to internalize the meaning. At times I caught myself thinking about past experiences and how I could have reacted differently. Marcus embraces emotional individualism from other people's opinions and self-control over uncontrollable everyday occurrences, at the same, submerging your reason of being in the forever running flow of nature. As my first book on stoicism, the language and ideas were fairly easy to understand. App says I read it 6 hours and that's with all the casual thinking time breaks.

5.0 out of 5 stars For those looking to have a better self-awareness and well-being.

A.C. · October 31, 2018

Philosophy is one of the most underrated forms of knowledge there is. Stoicism, to be precise, is the type of philosophical thinking that Marcus Aurelius applied to his every day life as an Emperor, and this book is basically his mind on paper. It is a beautiful read, and it's not very difficult either because the translation was modern. If you have not yet read any books on Stoicism, please read The Manual by Epictetus. Most of Marcus' works derive from Epictetus. Thus, it'll be beneficial to understand The Manual before reading The Meditations.

5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed this book

R. · July 23, 2019

I intend to use this book as a reference text. Many points of wisdom left to us by Marcus Aurelius. This book is written in the style of stoic philosophy. Reminds me of Buddhist teachings in some ways.For example, the author emphasizes non-attachment to material things. Well written, and without typos. However, I wonder how accurate this work reflects the original. How good is the transition? All this aside, well worth reading. I am going to look at some of the other books by the author.

Not nearly finished yet...

b. · July 24, 2017

I'm only in the early sections of the book but, this contemporary version for such a novice as I, isgenuinely compelling so far. The introduction is brief yet compelling and it feels like the enduring bookfull of insight that the original went on to capture so many for so many generations....

Beautiful

M.W. · October 26, 2023

I’ve read the mediations many times and has changed how I look at an approach my life.This is a modern interpretation of the ancient work and very clear and easy to understand. Well done.

Amazing read

K. · March 18, 2023

A very crisp and beautiful piece. It explains things in very simple manner. Must read for everyone in these times.

Great ‘lil read

a. · June 4, 2025

This is a great little book. It was highly recommended by my good friend (whom I’ve never met) Jerry Seinfeld. As he stated, it’s a book where you just read a few pages, and then put it down and go on with your day (or yadda yadda yadda… something like that). This edition is a great size. The binding and pages are clean and well produced. The font is the right size. I’d love a few pictures thrown in here and there, but aside from that, it’s a great book. I highly recommend this for anyone…and everyone!!!!

One to keep handy for referral, full of wise advice.

S.M. · April 27, 2018

Love this book and highly recommend it as a present for oneself and for friends who enjoy such wise content.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Ancient Greek & Roman”